Ophthalmologic Apparatus Pupil Size Detection and Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmologic apparatuses face difficulties in acquiring clear front images of the eye fundus when the pupil diameter is small, as the iris blocks illumination light, making it challenging to adjust fixation and OCT scanning positions, and administering mydriatic agents or using darkrooms can introduce additional burdens.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmologic apparatus that includes an acquiring part for front images, a first optical system for scanning the fundus using signal light and detecting interference light, a forming part for creating cross-sectional images, and a controller to display these images as moving images, allowing for alternating scan modes and pupil size detection to optimize image acquisition even with small pupils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the retinal camera function is used to acquire fundus images, then real-time moving images can be obtained, but the minimum pupil diameter required is larger than that for OCT function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retinal camera function and OCT function into a single ophthalmologic apparatus with a shared optical system. The controller selectively activates either the retinal camera or OCT based on pupil size detection, merging two previously separate functions into one integrated system that can handle both large and small pupils effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on detected pupil size. When the pupil is small, the controller switches from retinal camera mode to OCT mode, adjusting the illumination light characteristics and image acquisition parameters to match the constrained light conditions, thereby maintaining image quality across different pupil sizes.
2Measurement precision
If mydriatic agents are administered to enlarge the pupil, then the retinal camera function can be applied, but the examination time is prolonged and subject burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of pupil size before initiating the main imaging process. Based on this preliminary assessment, the controller pre-selects the appropriate imaging mode (retinal camera or OCT), eliminating the need for subsequent pupil enlargement procedures and reducing overall examination time.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses its own OCT function to detect pupil size and automatically selects the appropriate imaging mode without requiring external intervention such as mydriatic agents. The system serves itself by using internal capabilities to determine the optimal operational state.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pupil diameter is small, then the OCT function can still be applied, but the retinal camera function cannot acquire sufficient illumination light
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the imaging mode based on real-time pupil size detection. The controller continuously monitors pupil diameter and switches between retinal camera and OCT modes to optimize light utilization, ensuring that the imaging method matches the current lighting conditions imposed by pupil size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from OCT-based pupil size detection to control the selection of imaging mode. The detected pupil size serves as feedback that informs the controller which mode to activate, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing light conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the acquisition of clear front images of the eye fundus even in microcoria eyes by effectively managing light and image scanning, reducing the need for pupil enlargement methods and improving examination efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an OCT function that also acquires an observation image by using a retinal camera function
Implementation Method 2
detect interference light of returned light of the signal light from the fundus and reference light
Implementation Method 3
irradiate illumination light on the fundus and repeatedly detect reflected light of the illumination light from the fundus
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmologic apparatus of an embodiment includes an acquiring part, a first optical system, a forming part and a controller. The acquiring part acquires a first front image of an eye fundus. The first optical system scans the fundus by signal light and detects interference light of returned light of the signal light and reference light. The forming part repeatedly forms a second front image of the fundus and a cross sectional image showing a cross section perpendicular to the second front image based on the detection results repeatedly obtained by the first optical system. The controller displays the first front image on a display means, displays, as a moving image, the second front images repeatedly formed by the forming part over the first front image, and displays, as a moving image, the cross sectional images repeatedly formed by the forming part.